Inflation
latest news & developments
Food relief, fuel squeeze
South Africa's food inflation ticked up modestly in August after months of decline, but intensifying fuel price pressures and potential El Niño drought risks threaten to squeeze…
Food inflation edges higher after eight months of declines
South Africa's food inflation rose slightly to 1.1% in August following an eight-month downward trend, influenced by higher prices for fish, pork, and other staples.
Reserve Bank hikes interest rate for first time since 2023 as oil shock, inflation risks mount
South African Reserve Bank raises interest rate to 7%, warning that oil shocks, food inflation and global instability could drive prices higher
Joblessness remains a bugbear
This is what makes youth unemployment especially dangerous. A country in which nearly half of young work-seekers cannot find employment is not merely experiencing a cyclical…
Rising oil prices threaten African economies, new analysis warns
Sub-Saharan Africa’s reliance on imported oil leaves countries exposed to economic shocks amid the escalating Middle East conflict. Rising crude and LNG prices threaten import…
Fuel prices to fall sharply, driven by lower global oil markets
From 7 January, 93-grade unleaded petrol will decrease by 62 cents a litre while 95-grade petrol will cost 66 cents less
Malawi’s election is one of survival
The country has a collapsing currency and public sector, widespread hunger and corruption linked to the police, military and presidency
Food price inflation should stay at comfortable levels this year
South Africa’s food inflation rose to 4.4% in May but this is expected to be temporary
Reserve Bank cuts rate by 25 basis points to 7.25%
The announcement comes as the bank foresees lower global interest rates and a weaker outlook for the local economy
Reserve Bank likely to leave interest rates unchanged on Thursday
Despite the global environment becoming less tense since the March meeting, the central bank will remain cautious, economists say
Has the Reserve Bank abandoned its economic growth mandate?
The central bank has maintained price stability but needs to focus on growth given the high unemployment rate.
Inflation eases to 2.7% year-on-year in March
The South African Reserve Bank is unlikely to cut interest rates next month, because of inflationary pressures that lie ahead
US protectionist turn: Why Trump’s trade policies will backfire
American consumers and workers will feel the pain induced by the tariffs imposed on countries around the world
Trump’s tariffs fuel economic pain for US consumers, businesses and farmers
For an agricultural sector that depends on international markets, short-term protectionist measures offer little benefit and erode long-term competitiveness
Reserve Bank holds interest rate at 7.5%
The monetary policy committee said it remains vigilant amid risks to inflation outlook on the global and domestic front